Maine DOE releases resources to support new educator evaluation system development

As part of its commitment to ensuring great teachers and school leaders, the Maine DOE has released new online resources to support school administrative units (SAUs) in designing and implementing Performance Evaluation and Professional Growth (PEPG) systems.

The resources are available here on newly-designed Educator Effectiveness pages of the Department’s website and include:

Second State PEPG model for principals: The Department has adopted a second State PEPG model for principals, which was developed by the Maine Schools for Excellence (MSFE) and the American Institute of Research (AIR) in collaboration with the Maine DOE. The state Leader Evaluation and Professional Growth (LEPG) model is detailed in the Maine DOE LEPG Guide, which can be found on the Educator Effectiveness page of the Department’s website. Like the other State models, the State LEPG model can be used in one of four ways:

  • A model to be voluntarily adopted in its entirety prior to June 1, 2015;
  • A model to be adopted by default, in accordance with the requirements of Rule Chapter 180, by school administrative units who are not able to complete the development of a model prior to June 1, 2015.
  • A model to be adopted in part and merged with locally determined elements by SAUs prior to June 1, 2015; or
  • A guide to local SAUs in developing and implementing a model.

Principal Training Modules: In an effort to help educators fully participate in the State LEPG system model in their districts, the Department is working with AIR to produce a series of training modules that are intended to inform principals about the four-step process that structures the state PEPG system models. Each module, consisting of a slide presentation, a Facilitator’s Guide and handouts, presents interactive learning activities designed within a framework of adult learning theory and best practice. Districts who are either modifying any of the state models or developing a locally designed PEPG system can easily tailor the slides and documents to fit their models.

  • Module 1: System Overview: Module 1 provides an overview of the key features of the LEPG model, including its purpose and goals, timelines, and annual process; the LEPG Rubric; multiple measures of effective leadership, summative scoring and professional growth planning.

The Department will release additional modules for the state LEPG model as they are completed.

Teacher Training Modules: In an effort to help educators fully participate in the State T-PEPG system models in their districts, the Department is working with AIR to produce a series of training modules that are intended to inform teachers about the four-step process that structures the State T-PEPG system model. Each module, consisting of a PowerPoint slide presentation, a Facilitator’s Guide and handouts, presents interactive learning activities designed within a framework of adult learning theory and best practice. Districts who are either modifying any of the state models or developing a locally designed PEPG system can easily tailor the slides and documents to fit their models.

  • Module 1: System Overview: Provides an overview of the key features of the T-PEPG model and unpacks the basic structure and terminology of the MSFE rubric by examining the rubric’s standard indicators in preparation for self-assessment, reflection and goal setting
  • Module 2: Student Learning Objectives: The second module engages participants in the student learning objective (SLO) development process. SLOs are specific and driven by student needs, and they include an instructional plan that enables students to meet their learning goals.
  • Module 3: Reflection and Goal Setting: The third module supports participants in reflection in order to set professional goals. Participants engage in S.M.A.R.T. goal development, a process that can help teachers achieve or maintain effective practice and ensure that students meet learning goals.
  • Module 4: Evidence, Observation and Feedback: The fourth module describes expectations for observations (both inside and outside classrooms); the collection and organization of observation evidence; and the sharing of timely, constructive feedback. All participants engage in peer observation, and the module provides information about how to make the process meaningful, collaborative and constructive.
  • Module 5: Reflecting and Adjusting. The fifth module supports participants in the use of the MSFE Rubric, evidence, and student data to monitor progress toward their professional goals. Participants explore when and how to revisit their professional goals, check in on student progress, and collaboratively determine appropriate midcourse adjustments to their practice. The module includes an extension section that facilitators can use (as needed) to prepare teachers to gather evidence for the summative evaluation conference, and as a tool to guide reflection and future goal setting. The section also includes an overview of the summative scoring process and professional growth planning process.

Student Learning and Growth — Approaches to Measuring Teacher Effectiveness: This presentation introduces emergent thinking on a method of rating teachers on the student learning and growth component of a performance evaluation and professional growth (PEPG) system. The “Performance-Gap-Reduction” (PGR) method presents both a unique approach to targeting and measuring student growth and to rating teacher impact on that growth. This resource supports districts in understanding both the PGR method and the more commonly used method. The Maine DOE welcomes input and feedback from districts who decide to use either of the methods described in this presentation.

High Quality Assessments in a PEPG System: This presentation prepares teachers to begin the process of selecting assessments by helping them to:

  • Understand the broad context for using student learning and growth as a measure of effectiveness
  • Understand where assessments fit in the SLO process
  • Understand the meaning of student ‘growth’ in a PEPG system
  • Understand the basic elements of a growth measure in a PEPG system
  • Review the guidelines for appropriate content standards
  • Review the requirements and guidelines for selection of assessments

In addition to the resources listed above, existing resources have been updated as described below:

For more information on PEPG systems or technical assistance, please contact the Department’s Educator Effectiveness Coordinator Mary Paine at mary.paine@maine.gov or 624-6748.

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